Brian-
I just saw this today. First; let me say that this whole thing is really, really sad & I feel for you big time (goes w/o saying). I have been close to what your brother went through... but escaped it somehow. I am very pleased to hear he worked the 12-step. Being he did that; I know him some. That shows he had some serious amends, goals, forgiveness & recognized God as the author of the truth. At the very least you can rest assure he is in the right place & with the right people now... no more afflictions.
Although I am trying to look at the lighter side of all this, I know how hard this is going to be for his family & you. I too lost a loved one due to the result of narcotics. It is hard to understand. It is hard to relate to addiction unless you are an addict; even then, it is hard to understand. Your brother, myself & countless others have fought this battle ONLY to find God at a deeper level... but he makes us save ourselves on this one... becasue he has already saved us from ourselves & sin. Every addict passes a "point of no return"... you can only recover the rest of life. Man I am at least glad he no longer has to bear that cross anymore.
Zip is spot on. God is the truth & the light in all things... you guys will need him more than ever. My prayer for you guys is that this does not rattle your faith... because it will grow stronger now. I am sure you are a great uncle, brother & family man!! Ask God to give you the words in the funeral, for the kids, his wife, all your loved ones... now & beyond. Be courageous & speak in your bothers absence... it is okay to cry... I am crying right now too. CALL ON US FOR ANYTHING. Scooter/Casey